Can You Get a Michelin Star in South Africa?

The Michelin Guide is the most prestigious rating system for restaurants around the world. For decades, chefs and restaurateurs have strived to win one of these coveted stars, as it’s a sign of excellence in the culinary world. But can you get a Michelin star in South Africa?

The answer is yes and no.

While there are no South African restaurants that have won a Michelin star, there are several that have been recognised by the guide. In 2019, La Colombe at Constantia Uitsig in Cape Town was awarded a ‘Bib Gourmand’, which is given to restaurants that offer exceptional food at affordable prices. This was the first South African restaurant to be included in the guide, and it’s still the only one.

In addition to La Colombe, there are other high-end restaurants in South Africa that have been recognised by international critics and chefs. Wolfgat, located near Cape Town, was voted as one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019, while The Test Kitchen in Woodstock won the award for Best Restaurant in Africa at The World Restaurant Awards 2019.

But getting a Michelin star is still an elusive goal for many South African chefs and restaurateurs. There are several reasons why this is so; firstly, the country doesn’t yet have an official Michelin Guide – meaning there are no inspectors regularly travelling around to assess restaurants. Secondly, there is still a lack of recognition from international critics outside of South Africa – meaning it can be difficult for local chefs to gain recognition outside their own country.

Conclusion: Despite not having an official Michelin Guide yet, South African restaurants have been making waves on an international level with awards like ‘Bib Gourmand’ and ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’. However, earning a Michelin star remains an elusive goal due to lack of recognition from abroad and absence of regular inspectors from Michelin.